Ministry, health staff given two weeks to resolve impasse

By PSCU                                          

Warring parties in the health sector have two weeks to resolve the impasse arising from devolution of medical services, which prompted workers to issue a strike notice.

The ultimatum was reached at a meeting involving unions, governors and the Health ministry at State House, Nairobi.

The consultative meeting of stakeholders chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta agreed that the concerns of health staff and governors would be discussed in an honest and understanding manner.

Government health workers do not want to be paid by county or national governments. Instead, they are demanding the creation of an independent institution that will represent  counties, pay, discipline and deploy staff.

The President acknowledged that the problem could not be resolved in one meeting hence the need for more time to discuss the matter and reach a decision that is acceptable to all parties.

But he insisted: “We passed a Constitution and we must follow it. Devolution is a reality and there is no turning back. The health function is devolved and the process is irreversible. The impossible cannot be made possible. What we are discussing here are the challenges.”

The President, however, said the fears of health workers could not be dismissed or ignored. He urged the parties not to defend their points of view but rather discuss what would ensure a favourable way forward.

Deputy President William Ruto said he was happy that the participants supported devolution and expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved amicably.

He reiterated that the health sector had already been devolved and clawing back would bring more challenges.

The Deputy President challenged Parliament to enact laws that would guide the devolved functions so that any challenges could be addressed in those laws.

Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said his ministry had held four meetings with the unions with a view to resolving the matter.

The doctors’ concerns have to do with tribalism and nepotism, with county governments saying they want only health staff from their counties.

“Health workers have also complained that county governments do not release staff for training,” Mr Macharia told the meeting.

Union leaders have said that no legislation had been enacted to guide the devolution of the health function.  They said their members were being rejected in some counties and returning to the ministry headquarters for redeployment.